Yoshitomo Nara

Yoshitomo Nara: The Relentless Visionary of Pop Art

Yoshitomo Nara is a 51-year-old Japanese pop artist influenced by anime and punk rock. His sculptures seem cartoonish in nature and typically depict animals or children. Often, his subjects have contradictory elements, such as weapons or accusatory looks that belie their wide-eyed expressions.

The interesting thing about Nara is his consistency. Artists like Nara pursue the same relentless vision regardless of critics. Nara says he is helpless in this matter because he is compelled to create these works.

This fiberglass sculpture, called “Your Dog,” is part of the permanent collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.